The table decor checklist you need; to make your event more memorable

If you're really struggling to choose table decorations to help bring your event to life, it could be because you wasn't clear enough from the very start of your plans, on what you're actually trying to achieve. If you're wondering why it's so hard to choose which vases to have on your tables or what colour scheme to go with, it's likely because you skipped asking yourself a few fundamental questions at the very beginning of planning your event, which makes deciding these things so much easier. Before you started searching for ideas, did you stop to ask yourself, what you want the atmosphere around the tables to be like? What about the experience you want your guests to have, did you consider what you want that to be like from the start? These are just a couple of questions that can save you a ton of time, eliminate stress and even save you money in the long run, because it stops you from buying things or hiring items you don't really need.

How to avoid feeling overwhelmed with your table decor options

Now I appreciate how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement of choosing table decorations. Searching on Pinterest for hours can be a really fun task, but it can also lead to major decision paralysis. If you only base the ideas you like, on what you like the look of, this is what can cause a selection of endless options saved on a Pinterest board, that don't actually help you decide anything. If anything it makes it so much harder to choose, because the minute you decide what to have, it means you're having to give up all the other nice decor ideas you really like and have saved. This can lead to changing your mind constantly as you go along, because you really don't want to let go of the amazing ideas that you've seen. This can make you feel overwhelmed and make planning your event feel impossible.

Create a table decor checklist with a difference

The way to avoid this issue is to do the important groundwork first which gives you a helpful guide to follow, that keeps you on track. Now I can feel you're rolling your eyes at me, as you might feel that this sounds a bit dull, but honestly if you really want to reduce overwhelm and you really want choosing your decor to feel fun and easy, this is what you need to do to set yourself up for success. You can do this at the start of planning, but if you're in the midst of choosing decor and have these struggles, this is great for pressing the reset button. This is what I am helping you do today in this blog post. I'm providing you with a table decor checklist with a difference, because once you have ticked these things off your list, they will help you decide what table decorations to actually choose, which are suitable for your event and create the vision you desire. This should make deciding on table decorations so much easier and it should actually be a fun process, instead of it feeling hard work and like you're giving up on all your nice decor options. By the end, you'll feel much happier with what you choose because it actually makes sense for your vision, you've chosen it for a reason because it's helping you create the setting you really want and create the atmosphere you desire. It stops you changing your mind and being distracted by new ideas that pop up all the time, such as new trends floating about.

I don't mind sharing that as a table stylist, every time I work on a new project whether it's with a client or on a styled shoot, I always make sure these things are ticked off my list first. If there not, I honestly don't know how I would choose table decorations for them. So for me these things are a must do. The best advice I can give you at this stage, is to get into the mind set of, it's more about the atmosphere you want to create around the table and the actual experience you want your guests to have. These are the secret ingredients which will create a memorable event.

So let's dive into it...

Adding your story to the table design

The way that I like to think about the tables that I'm styling, is that I treat them like a mini movie set that I'm working on. I'm literally setting the scene with props (table decorations) that help tell a story about the event taking place. Just like on a movie set, the table aesthetics have the power to set a tone, create a desired atmosphere and immerse guests into your dining experience. And the more of the story details you can include, the more unique your tables will look and feel. So let's say your planning your wedding tables or you're having an engagement dinner, the story being told here is all about the couple's love story. The table aesthetics should reflect your relationship together, your interests and your personalities, it could even include your proposal story. This ensures the couple can feel 100 percent themselves on the day making them relaxed and comfortable in the setting. It also makes guests feel closer to the couple, as it helps them to get to know the couple better. Adding little nods to these things that tell a story and add meaning doesn't have to look themey, which is what I think a lot of couples worry about. If done tastefully it can create such a unique and personal look. Couples worry that if they add too much of themselves it won't look like a wedding is suppose to look.  I believe this is why so many wedding tables look the same to me, because they lack story and personality. Yes it's a wedding, but it's your story, you're telling. And the aesthetics have the power to tell it for you. 

A personal favourite table design 

One of my personal favourite stories that I've told through a table design I created, was this Narnia inspired wedding styled shoot. This design brief shows that telling a story can be achieved tastefully, by adding subtle little nods to the story with intentional design features. It includes Turkish delight, faux fur and a lush forest setting to tell the story, and an ethereal atmosphere that's enchanting and moody. The scenes I set, allowed the model to fully immerse herself into the space to experience the world I created. You can take a look at this shoot in more detail here.

A story for the bride to be

Another example is if you're planning a bridal shower for the bride to be, the story will be all about the bride and her relationship with her partner and her friendships with her wedding party. The table design should reflect the bride and set the perfect mood for celebrating the occasion. 

A story with hosting dinner parties

If you're hosting at home, the story might be about a season, or about a guest that's attending. It could be a milestone or about a tradition you celebrate. There's always a story to tell no matter what the occasion is. So tapping into that big time, is going to help you massively when choosing table decorations that help you tell that story through the design details.

Feeling excited about your table design

Once you know the story of the tables, it will become more obvious to you, what style of decorations to choose, what colours to select and what textures of fabrics to include. It is your script to lean into so you can tell that story through the design aesthetics. Honestly this makes such a big difference, in all my years experience of working on different projects for brands, couples and events, it's only when you add the story details, that things get really exciting. When I feel excited about their table design I know the client will feel excited too. This only comes by connecting the decor choices to the story. It adds depth and meaning and it becomes a complete representation of the story being told. I aim for anyone I work with on styling their tables, to feel obsessed with their design, like so excited to see it all to come to life in reality. Because it's been tailored to them and their space. 

Your first action step

Decide what story it is you're trying to tell on the table. Write a mini script to guide you if it helps. Once you know your story, you can choose decor to help set the scene.

Creating an atmosphere around your table that guests take away with them

Everything you choose to style your tables with, will be building atmosphere. So we are talking colours, lighting, flowers, fabrics, decorations, cutlery, stationery. You get the idea, it's all of it! So it's really important that you ask yourself at the beginning of planning your event, what you want the atmosphere in the space to be like. Do you want it to be relaxed and fun. Do you want it to feel calm and serene, do you want it to feel lively and energetic? You get to decide. Once you know what the mood is, you'll find it easier to decide on what table decorations to select. It honestly becomes so much more obvious when you have a desired atmosphere, to work towards. This is where things like the style of decorations and textures of fabrics will start to matter, as this is building an atmosphere layer by layer. 

How to create an atmosphere with your colour scheme

So let's say you want it feel calm and serene, the colours you choose want to reflect this, this is where muted tones or pastel shades will work better for creating this vibe. Where as if you want it to feel lively and energetic, you'd be better selecting bright and vibrant colours to achieve this mood. Colour is the first thing your guests will see as they arrive, before they see any of the finer details, so think about the impact you want to have in the space as your guests enter. The colours really do have the power to set the tone immediately, making your guests feel a certain way as they enter the space.

Deciding on an atmosphere helps you decide on all the other elements too, making planning easier and more enjoyable for you. For example; if you want to create a sociable atmosphere where everyone is interacting with each other at the table, choosing sharing platters of food is great for encouraging interaction among your guests. This means you will naturally create the atmosphere that you want yourselves and your guests to experience.

Table lighting that creates a mood

Lighting is also key to creating an unforgettable event. It can instantly help create a mood which ultimately creates an memorable experience for guests. Flickering candle light creates romantic vibes, it can also add some dramatic effects the heavier you apply it to your space. Twinkling fairy lights can add a magical feeling, festoon lights can be great for adding party vibes, and coloured neon lighting looks amazing in the dark adding a moody, mysterious atmosphere. So when choosing lighting for your tables, consider the atmosphere it's going to create for day time and for the evening, when it's more visible.

Your second action step

To put this into action for creating your dream atmosphere, I recommend selecting one to three words that will represent the mood you really want to create. You could use pictures that show the mood if you find this more helpful, or just have the words on your vision board so they act as a guide. Every time you have a decision to make about your table decor, you can refer to these words to check they align with each other. 

Creating a memorable guest experience they won't forget

The question I always ask my clients on our first call is, how do they want their guests to feel when they sit down to eat. Guests might not remember what you said, or what happened, but they will always remember how you made them feel. I find the people I work with care really deeply about the experience their guests are going to have, but they don't really know how to achieve it at the table. So here's some ideas to consider, to make your guests feel welcome and special. 

Interactive table stationery for guests to get involved

Guests love it when they feel more involved so including interactive elements is key to creating a memorable experience for them. Guests love to open or un-tie things, as they feel like it's a little gift to them. One of my personal favourites is my reveal cards I created, they are a tri fold up card like an accordion style, which have three sections for your own text. It can have a welcome message in section one, the menu details in section two and whatever else you fancy in the third section. It could be an order of events plan if you're getting married or you have a lot of text you can even divide each section as a three course meal if you wish.

Finding your seat with a table plan

Another area you can get guests involved in, is your seating plan which is great for wedding receptions or a rehearsal dinner. To make it memorable you can really make this a personal piece by tying in your story details. I tend to tap into my couples proposal stories and interests to create a unique design for them. It turns finding their seat into an eye catching display that's full of personality and interest. 

If you would love some help designing a unique table plan for guests to find their seats, we can work together to come up with something that's tailored to you and your story. Head to my design page here to get started.

Adding personal touches that are thoughtful

Guests will always remember your personal touches that you include, as they love these thoughtful touches. These are the stand out things that will stick in your guests minds forever and they will talk about them when they go home, when they see their friends, and they'll mention them later down the line to you. It could be a handmade gift you are presenting each guest with to take home, or it could be a place card that doubles up as a bookmark for reading. Guests will notice the finer details on a table because they are forced to sit and look at them for a considerable length of time. It could even be a handwritten note you have written to each guest. Naming tables rather than numbering them adds personality, and guests are more likely to remember them. I find it's always the little things that have the biggest impact on a guest. These additions give your guests something to cling on to from the event.

Your third action step

To put this into action, consider how you want your guests to feel when they arrive, how do you want them to feel when they sit down to eat and during the meal, and what about when they come to leave. This will help you create that desired experience you want them and yourself to have that will be memorable for all the right reasons.

On a final note

It's worth remembering that each guest that attends your event will appreciate different aspects about your table, because they will all notice different things about it. They might of been blown away by the table decor that caught their eye, they might of felt welcomed by your thoughtful message to them as they opened their menu card, or they might of noticed the little nods to the story you were telling through the design features.  But one things for sure, if you carefully consider what you choose to style your tables with being more intentional about it, it will be more memorable for certain.

I hope these tips have really helped you look differently at deciding what table decor to choose. I hope you use this approach to create something totally unique and fabulous. If you would love some help designing table that have a story, atmosphere and an unforgettable guest experience you can get in touch with me here.